Heated Camera Lens Assembly for Thermal Artifact Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating camera elements to prevent ice or moisture formation can cause image artifacts due to stray thermal radiation, particularly in miniaturized cameras where the lens barrel fails to protect the lens assembly from the heater's radiation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflective surface, such as a shim, to redirect stray radiation away from the sensor and using image processing techniques to correct heater-related artifacts, including calibration and machine learning for optimal heater control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unheated cameras are used in cold environments, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to condensation and fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the camera housing to a temperature above the dew point, thereby changing the thermal parameter of the camera to prevent condensation and fogging while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures (which cause condensation) into a benefit by using the heating elements to maintain the camera housing temperature above the dew point, thus preventing fogging and condensation on lenses and sensors
2Manufacturing precision
If heating elements are added to prevent condensation, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the heating elements to operate in cycles rather than continuously, activating them when condensation risk is detected and deactivating when not needed, thus maintaining image quality while reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning heating elements specifically at critical areas prone to condensation (such as near lenses and sensors) rather than heating the entire camera uniformly, thereby maintaining image quality with minimal energy expenditure
3Manufacturing precision
If heating elements are added to prevent condensation, then image quality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with existing camera components by integrating heating elements into the camera housing structure and combining the temperature control system with the camera's existing power and control circuits, thereby maintaining image quality without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the heating system to serve multiple functions: preventing condensation on lenses, preventing fogging on sensors, and maintaining overall camera housing temperature, thereby achieving image quality protection through a single integrated system rather than multiple separate components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces image artifacts by reflecting stray radiation and applying image correction methods, enhancing image quality and reducing distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element integrated into the camera housing is activated
Implementation Method 2
thermal cameras... capture infrared energy or thermal radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~4A
AI summary
An apparatus has a lens assembly which has: a front region with an entrance window of the lens assembly; a window structure at the entrance window; a back region; a lens between the window structure and the back region; and a heater coupled to heat the window structure. The lens assembly includes a reflective surface. The front region is on a first side of the reflective surface. The back region is on a second side of the reflective surface. The reflective surface reflects thermal radiation generated by the heater. The reflected radiation is reflected towards the first side. Other features are also provided.